Seeds of doubt.

The programme examines concerns over genetic modification of agricultural produce. While this can make products resistant to pests and weedkillers and prolong shelf life, the long- term effects on consumers are unknown. Has this aspect of biotechnology progressed too far too fast, leaving consumers ignorant of what they are eating? Concerns include the fear that genetic modification could produce toxins by combining genes that do not naturally occur together; fear of the unknown effects of genetically modified cattle feed; and concern that genetically induced crop resistance to weedkillers will encourage the over- use of weedkillers, leading to the disappearance of hedgerows. Could the balance of nature be at risk? There are many unknown factors and the programme argues that the strength of companies such as Monsanto, a leading producer of genetically modified seeds, leaves both farmers and consumers without choice over the use of such products.